Pilot study of a ketogenic diet in relapsing-remitting MS

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutrition Science
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Current MS treatments focus on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.
• Investigating novel therapeutic approaches, such as dietary interventions, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and tolerability of the modified Atkins diet (KD^MAD) in patients with relapsing MS.
• To explore potential benefits of ketogenic diets (KDs) for managing MS symptoms.
• To assess the impact of KD^MAD on fatigue, depression, body composition, and inflammatory markers in MS.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month, open-label study involving 20 subjects with relapsing MS.
• Participants followed the KD^MAD, with adherence monitored by daily urine ketone testing.
• Assessments included fatigue and depression scores, fasting adipokines, and brain MRI at baseline and 6 months.

Main Results:

• No subject experienced disease worsening on the KD^MAD.
• High adherence rates were observed: 95% at 3 months and 75% at 6 months.
• Significant improvements were noted in anthropometrics (BMI, fat mass), fatigue, depression, and serologic leptin levels.

Conclusions:

• The KD^MAD is a safe, feasible, and well-tolerated dietary intervention for relapsing MS.
• KD^MAD positively impacts fatigue and depression symptoms in MS patients.
• This dietary approach promotes weight loss and reduces pro-inflammatory adipokines, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for MS.